Our Additional Programs
At MMS, we know life doesn't operate on school hours just as we know learning doesn't end at the end of the school day.
That's why we offer programs to support families and to give children opportunities to continue their learning before and after school.
We also support families in the Junior High as they look towards high school. At MMS, we're dedicated to supporting students and their families for the long haul.
In This Section
Additional School Care (ASC)
Additional School Care (ASC) follows basic Montessori principles in terms of encouraging children to help and teach one another, to follow projects through to completion, to create their own activities, and to care for their environment.
With some restrictions, parents can choose to have their children participate in ASC through Full-year Package ASC, Reserved ASC, or Drop-in ASC. Check out the details below.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Details
Morning ASC:
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Toddler: Registration took place during enrollment and is now closed.
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Primary: Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
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Elementary: There is no charge or preregistration required. Students may be dropped off at the Primary Gate starting at 7:30. All students will go to the Hummingbird classroom until it is time to join their class.
Afternoon ASC:
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Toddler: There is no afternoon ASC offered for Toddler.
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Primary/Elementary: Reserved two weeks in advance and drop-in (please see drop-in instructions below).
Afternoon Drop-In Care Instructions:
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Sign up by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 for Elementary on the day the care is needed through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal.
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Children who are registered by the deadlines will be accommodated for that day if at all possible.
Afternoon ASC Pick-Up Instructions:
All families will be required to enter campus through the Primary Gate, using the four digit pin code provided by the Office. Please call (415) 924-5388 for details. The Office closes by 4:00 pm on most days. If you need to contact ASC personnel after the office closes, please email Taz Pesso for Primary and Matt Stratton for Elementary.
Money Matters
For 2023-2024
Full-Year Package ASC
If you need daily childcare before school (Toddler and Primary) and/or after school until 6:00 p.m. (Primary and Elementary) for the entire school year, you will benefit from electing Full-Year Package ASC when you sign your Enrollment Agreement. The annual fee for Before School Care is $2,000 for Toddlers and Primary. There is no fee for Elementary. After School Care is $6,400 per student for both Primary and Elementary.
Reserved ASC
The Reserved ASC program allows families to reserve space at least two weeks in advance for the specific days and times that you need. The fee is $18 an hour. If a reservation is not canceled at least two weeks in advance or if a child no shows, there will be a $54 fee.
Note: Children who are registered in this way will be guaranteed space on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign-Up for Reserved ASC:
Spaces in Reserved ASC must be reserved at least two weeks in advance through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal. If you do not sign up in the Parent Portal at least two weeks in advance, Drop-In ASC will be your only option.
Drop-In ASC
We are pleased to be able to offer a Drop-In option for the ASC program ($22 an hour in ½ hour increments) for those Primary and Elementary families who need occasional care. Same day sign ups must happen by 1:30 pm for Primary and Elementary. Space is limited.
Note: Drop-In for Morning ASC is not available for Toddler and Primary students. Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
Cancellation Policy for Drop-In
To cancel a session, use the Parent Portal and click on the Extended Care tab.
You must cancel by 1:30 pm for Primary and Elementary or we'll have to charge a $66 cancellation fee. Please note that the Office and Registrar are unable to make cancellations after these deadline times.
Details about Primary ASC
The afternoon ASC program for Full-Day Primary children starts after school and ends at 6:00 pm in the Song Sparrow classroom. Our Primary ASC program echoes the Montessori day while allowing for different kinds of activities that families would typically do at home together after a long day at school. ASC is a play-based activity time. When children arrive, they will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore a wide variety of manipulative toys, crafts, games, books, musical instruments and outdoor play on the grassy area and play structure.
They also have the opportunity to enjoy healthy light snacks such as rice cakes, sun butter, apples and carrots.
In ASC, we continue to practice Montessori grace and courtesy skills. Our program builds the skills to help students respectfully interact with each other and our materials. When students are finished with an activity, they will put it away neatly so it is ready for the next person before moving on to a new activity. When finished snacking, students will wash their dishes before returning to play.
When parents arrive for pick up, please use the drop off area gate. You will use the parent code that allows access during the ASC hours and go directly to the Song Sparrow classroom to sign out and wait for your child. Please expect to wait a few minutes allowing time for your child to independently wrap up and put away their activity. We teach our students that ASC is closed for them, and it is time to promptly clean up when their grown ups arrive. Please note that the play structure is also closed for them supporting smooth departures.
Afternoon Primary ASC will be headed up by Taz Pesso who brings years of experience and boundless joy to this work.
Details about Elementary ASC
ASC is available for Elementary students before school from 7:30 a.m. to the start of class and after school from 3:15 – 6:00 p.m. For Morning ASC, Elementary students go to the Hummingbird classroom. Elementary students who need care prior to school may drop in on the morning that care is needed (there is no charge and no pre-registration is required).
The home base for the afternoon ASC program for Elementary children is also the Hummingbird classroom. The students are offered a variety of games, arts and crafts, cooking projects, and other activities (both indoor and out).
Snack will be prepared by the children and served around 4:00 each day.
Afternoon Elementary ASC will be headed up by Matt Stratton and supported by Frida Kolozsvari. The Elementary ASC environment has been carefully prepared to become a joyful extension of the workday where elementary children from all four classrooms can come together to collaborate and connect with one another. Blending outdoor and indoor play, elementary ASC will be full of cooking, games, art, and science. It's a place where children can continue to build a practice society and further develop relationships across classrooms.
Bayside Afternoon Classes (BAC)
Each semester, we offer Bayside Afternoon Classes for Primary (4 years-old and older) and Elementary students.
Registration for Spring 2024 classes opens onWednesday, February 7, and closes on February 14 at 6:00 pm. Be sure to register for each class separately.
How To Register
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Log into your Parent Portal.
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Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
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In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
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On the next page, make your BAC selection(s).
How to Opt Out or Cancel a BAC Session
- Log into your Parent Portal.
- Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
- In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
- On the next page in the Session Calendar, click on the day(s) you wish to cancel and select “Opt Out.”
Spring 2024 Options
Primary
Teeball with Coach Jackson |For Primary children 4-6 years old
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Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm
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8 sessions: March 27, April 3, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
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Class minimum/maximum: 8/12
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Registration: $325
This series will introduce kids to tee-ball fundamentals and a whole lot of fun! Every week, they'll get plenty of exercise, learn new games and techniques, deep-dive on form and into specific aspects of the game, and have a great time working together as a team! The last week will be a celebratory field day full of review and championship challenges.
Coach Jackson has over a decade of experience coaching and working with kids. His philosophy is that exploration and play through games and physical activities is one of the most basic and powerful ways to learn. He's worked closely with children as a Physical Education teacher in an elementary school; after school sports and programming (football, chess, wrestling, soccer, and general games); coaching extracurricular soccer; and early on in a daycare setting. Many Marin kids have their first soccer and tee-ball experiences with Coach Jackson, and with Grasshopper Kids he brings the same technique, enthusiasm for the game, and especially fun. Please contact curation@grasshopperkids.com with any questions about this class.
Outdoor Adventures with Kathy Winkler |For Primary children 4-6 years old
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Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm
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8 sessions: March 26, April 2, (No Class April 9th for Spring Break) 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $325
This outdoor class invites children to explore their surroundings using multiple types of sensory input. We will start out towards Ring Mountain and collect a few treasures along the way which we will have opportunities to discuss. Children have the opportunity to spend relaxed time in nature and tune into our incredible natural surroundings, tuning in with many of our senses, listening, feeling, smelling, and looking. Children may bring their own snacks to have before class :). Please pack a hat, water bottle, and walking attire that may get dirty
Kathy Winkler has been teaching young children for 20+ years. She is currently the Movement Specialist at MMS and taught Kindergarten for 16 years prior. She earned her BA at UC Davis in Economics and received her Multiple Subjects Credential from UOP. She is active in many outdoor pursuits engaging the body including trail running, ocean swimming, paddle boarding, and yoga.
Primary Spanish with Adriana Romo |FOr Primary children 4-6 years old
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Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
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16 sessions: March 27, 29, April 3, 5, (No Class April 10, 12 for Spring Break) 17, 19, 24, 26, May 1, 3, 8, (No Class May 10 for In-Service) 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $550
The after-school Spanish program will focus on co-curricular lessons, use fun oral activities for conversation practice, task-based instruction, and prioritization of Spanish reading material. The class will consist of a greeting circle followed by a story and lesson. The children will be introduced to developmentally appropriate lessons, songs, and projects. The program will provide opportunities for the children to experience authentic food, music, and Spanish traditions. The goal of the program is to provide exposure and create a love of learning Spanish and its colorful culture.
Adriana Romo has eight years of early childhood education experience, completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College, she is certified through the North American Montessori Center. She found her passion for literacy when she had the tremendous opportunity to partake in a program that utilized Ballet Folkórico--a traditional Mexican cultural dance--to teach Spanish. Adriana has continuously provided a Spanish curriculum for four years in a Montessori setting and hopes her experience and enthusiasm will excite the children as they learn Spanish in joyful and engaging ways. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Adriana at aromo@marinmontessori.org.
Elementary
Elementary Spanish with Adriana Romo | For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Twice each week - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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16 sessions: March 26, 28, April 2, 4, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/15
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Registration: $550
Our Elementary after-school Spanish program will incorporate the use of high-frequency words and phrases taught using question-driven instruction with varying resources/materials, authentic texts, communicative tasks that facilitate target language use, and interactive activities differentiated for all students' needs. The class structure will consist of greetings, story/discussion, lesson and followed by level-appropriate projects/crafts, cooking, or songs. The goal of the Spanish program is to create an exciting extension and build on language proficiency in which the children experience Spanish culture through their senses.
Adriana Romo has eight years of early childhood education experience, completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College, she is certified through the North American Montessori Center. She found her passion for literacy when she had the tremendous opportunity to partake in a program that utilized Ballet Folkórico--a traditional Mexican cultural dance--to teach Spanish. Adriana has continuously provided a Spanish curriculum for four years in a Montessori setting and hopes her experience and enthusiasm will excite the children as they learn Spanish in joyful and engaging ways. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Adriana at aromo@marinmontessori.org.
Cooking with Adeline Shrout Fray
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Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: March 27, April 3, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 ,22
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/14
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Registration: $325
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Materials Fee $25
Immersive and intriguing, this hands-on culinary exploration will introduce your child to a world of delicious and nutritious bites. The kitchen can be an intimidating space for some, but supported by interactive lessons and adventurous recipes, it can become a place of comfortability and foster essential kitchen skills. Young food enthusiasts will embark on a flavorful and creative journey that will nurture their culinary curiosity.
Guided by Adeline Shrout, the children will get to experience the art behind food. Introducing family recipes that are a staple in homes, sharing ideas on what to add and what to take away, and even trivia on different cultures' traditional dishes will all be a staple in this, mostly, child-led class. With Adeline's patient guidance, each aspiring young chef will not only gain valuable cooking techniques but also develop a deeper appreciation for nutritional ingredients and the artistry of food.
Knots of Love with Bridgette Turner |For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: March 28, April 4, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/14
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Registration: $325
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Material Fee: $15
With just a few lengths of string and a simple knot, an iconic symbol of connection is born. Friendship bracelets may seem like simple pieces of jewelry, but they serve as powerful reminders of the special bond we share with our friends. When we take the time and effort to create a bracelet for a friend, we create memories that go beyond the act of making and exchanging the bracelets themselves. It is about the conversations had while crafting, the laughter shared during the process, and the anticipation of seeing the joy on a friend’s face when they receive a handmade gift. They become physical embodiments of the memories that have been created, preserving them for years to come.
Each week of this class we’ll learn a different technique to expand our knowledge of macrame knots, color theory, and pattern design. We’ll experiment with a few different materials, and the students will be well-stocked to encourage making between classes.
Bridgette picked up her first crochet hook at age seven and an ancestral line of fiber workers collectively smiled. From spinning and knitting to sewing and natural dyeing, the world of fiber art has provided her with endless experimentation and inspiration. In 2015, Bridgette entered into an apprenticeship with her weaving mentor and fulfilled her dream of working as an artist. Two years of on-the-job training, six years of entrepreneurship, and one pandemic later, she found herself in a classroom teaching the skills that she loves to children of all ages. Here, she discovered a new skill that she loves, leading her down a new, and very unexpected path. Please reach out to Bridgette at bturner@marinmontessori.org with any questions.
Kung Fu with Sean Lim
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Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: March 26, April 2, (No Class April 9th for Spring Break) 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $325
Transform your child's after-school experience with Kung Fu Animal Power—a unique program blending ancient Chinese Kung Fu with virtuous character development. Each semester, students explore the strength, flexibility, and self-defense skills of 18 real animals, gaining valuable leadership insights and body mechanics lessons. From the Dragon's "think before you speak" to the Tortoise's patience, our classes build both character and athleticism. Engaging activities include stretching, strength conditioning, stances, leaps, kicks, animal power moves, and more. Join us on this transformative journey—where fun meets valuable life lessons!
Instructor Sean Lim has been training in traditional Kung Fu since he was 16 years old with the founder of Animal Power Kung Fu, Sifu Scott Jensen. His deep passion for the Eastern arts has propelled him into his adulthood with a sense of morality, discipline, kindness, and a thirst to ever deepen his knowledge and wisdom. Having faced long-term illness in his life, he thanks Chinese martial arts for not only bringing back his vitality but also raising his athleticism to heights he had never even considered possible for him before. He hopes to inspire children into a connection with their health, confidence, and compassion through this unique art of self-defense and self-cultivation. For questions about the class, please contact Sean at sean.lim@me.com.